Saturday, October 18, 2008

So, we went to Camp Snoopy's treasure hunt today. Of course, I was too busy holding their goodie bags to take pictures of them at the stations. It was pretty cute with free candy and pirate garb.I guess on the weekends they run the big engine through Knott's (when we've gone during the week it's been a smaller train). It was amazing to see the steam engine start up and take off. It was even more cool to actually ride the original 1881 train that travelled through UT, AZ and NM. Isaac didn't quite get the "hold-up" on the train, maybe next time.

Today we went through the old ghost town part of Knott's. It's such a boy's world with knife shops and gun shops. The museum is AMAZING (I can't believe I haven't been in it yet). I was very impressed with all of the original western artifacts Knott's has in it's collection.I was so excited when we happened to be at the Blacksmith shop and a staged old-fashioned show-down started up right where we were. Of course, Seth was scared but I was very surprised that Isaac kept wanting to leave and even started to cry. We didn't get to see how it ended, I guess the gun shots were a little too loud for Isaac. I have to remind myself that he is still 4 years old!Here's a pic of the boys on a very small little engine. Can't imagine what it was used for. We also enjoyed going into the old-fashioned school building. I didn't know it was an original school building from AK! It was neat to show the boys since they've been in Matt's classroom a few times and can compare.Well, ever since we got home, Isaac has been busy making a Jolly Roger flag (impressive, isn't it?), pirate prison and treasure chest with some of the booty they got today. He even did a pirate dance for me and Matt. I love days like today.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

My initial thoughts on gay marriage were, "Whatever, what difference does it make if they call it a marriage or a union, it's all the same. Not a big deal." Even though I didn't understand the importance of the issue I was asked to head up efforts for Prop 22 support in 2000. So I did.

Here we are 8 years later with the same issue. I am just beginning to understand the importance as I hear about what has been happening since the definition of marriage has been altered in some places (see below for a few examples). I guess the many different church leaders really are inspired. I believe that even though right now we may not fully understand the implications gay marriages will bring in the future, God does. And I am thankful that His servants have heeded His warning and are advising us on this issue, otherwise I may have voted in favor of something that I'm really not in favor of. Here is what we didn't see coming:

On Friday, October 10th, 2008 a first-grade class took a field trip to witness atheir lesbian teacher's wedding in California. Click Here for the article from the San Francisco Chronicle.A father in Massachusetts was frustrated when his twin kindergartners were taught about homosexuality at school by the teachers. He insisted he be notified in the future before such things were discussed so he could pull his boys out of school. He was taken to jail. Click Here for the story.A Catholic adoption agency in the UK closed their doors because of the Government's new homosexual equality laws. The Equality Act forbids discrimination in the provision of goods and services on the basis of sexual orientation. The law was forced through Parliament last year despite past Prime Minister Tony Blair's recommendation that Catholic adoption agencies be exempted from the rules. Click Here for more info.Earlier this month judges in Connecticut overturned the state law (just as the judges in California did) to legalize gay marriage. This is not just an issue in California. The majority of Californians voted years ago to keep traditional marriage as the only marriage recognized in the state of California, 4 judges overturned our vote.

This is happening everywhere and the leaders of the church and others have warned that the outcome of California’s vote will affect the way the other states vote. So PLEASE…even if you don’t live in California, put this on your blog or email this on. The internet knows no state line. You know contacts in California that I don’t…and so do your friends. Please pass this on as it will eventually have an effect on everyone!

"Occasionally discouragement may darken our pathway; frustration may be a constant companion. In our ears there may sound the sophistry of Satan as he whispers, "You cannot save the world; your small efforts are meaningless. You haven't time to be concerned for others." Trusting in the Lord, let us turn our heads from such falsehoods and make certain our feet are firmly planted in the path of service and our hearts and souls dedicated to follow the example of the Lord."--President Thomas S. Monson

Click Here for excerpts from the LDS Broadcast given on October 8th by Elders M. Russell Ballard, Quentin L. Cook and L. Whitney Clayton.

Voting info:October 20th: Last day to apply for an absentee ballot if voting out of state.October 27th: Last day to apply for “Vote by Mail”November 4th: Election day. Polls close at 8:00pm. Vote by mail may be hand delievered to poll site.

Jonesisms

I6- "I think there are small stalactites on our van." After he had noticed icicles at the bottom of the van doors.

I6 - "Does Santa watch the Science Channel to see how he can make toys and other things?"

Just a Thought...

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God; your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."~ Marianne Williamson